There is no way to replace proper band chemistry. Even if someone puts their favorite performers in a room together, it’s impossible to predict. Their ability to create amazing music hinges on the synergy that arises when they power up their amplifiers. Although Cream’s internal dynamic produced some of the finest musical moments of the 1960s, Jack Bruce believed that. He thought one guitarist eclipsed Eric Clapton’s sound.
Clapton was an English blues fan before joining the band. Clapton laid the groundwork for his first bands while employed as a member of The Yardbirds. He performed electrified versions of songs by Muddy Waters and BB King, drawing inspiration from both Delta blues and Chicago blues in the United States.
While Clapton had always reverted to the traditional blues methods, he felt stagnant while working with his first band. Eventually, he left to join Cream. The guitarist’s attraction to Jack Bruce and Ginger Baker, despite their fame in the English music industry, led him to collaborate with them. He saw an opportunity to broaden his musical horizons.
Early albums like Fresh Cream and Disraeli Gears worked their magic, but hostility matched their classics. After only a few years together, the band separated. This prompted Clapton to work on various projects, including Blind Faith and Derek and the Dominoes’ Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs, a love letter to Patti Boyd.
Bruce craved the spotlight, convinced that his artistic vision could only truly shine solo. Playing jazz-soaked rock, the bassist got a boost when asked to work with guitar icon Gary Moore. Moore, who was already well-known as one of England’s top blues guitarists, was requested to join Bruce and Baker for a series of gigs under the name BBM.
Even though several press junkets left fans wondering where Clapton had gone, Bruce believed that. The music he performed with Moore fit the style they intended to play. Despite Clapton’s successful solo career, Bruce believed that there were components of Moore’s sound that Clapton couldn’t replicate.
When asked about Moore’s playing, Bruce believed that the parallels were unavoidable. He said, “Gary Moore was just being compared to Eric, with lines like ‘He’s no Eric Clapton’ – which is rather apparent.” He’s himself, and in my opinion, he’s a more dynamic player. I mean, Eric’s a wonderful player, but I think Gary has a passion for his game.”
Although Moore went on to pursue his own solo career after jamming with Bruce and Baker, he remained a fixture among the numerous guitar superstars. Eventually, he co-wrote the song ‘She’s My Baby‘ with The Traveling Wilburys. Moore and Clapton, with distinct playing styles, shared a common mission: enhancing the music through their respective contributions.
